This document is a lecture on fixed partial denture (FPD) designs by Charles J. Goodacre from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. The lecture discusses key considerations for FPD treatment planning including tooth stability, occlusal forces, abutment selection, and material choices. It provides examples of different FPD designs for single and multiple tooth replacements in the maxilla and mandible. Challenges with each case such as cantilevers, oral hygiene access, and risk of failure are evaluated. The goal is to create the best online programs of instruction in prosthodontics.

1. Charles J. Goodacre, DDS, MSD
Professor of Restorative Dentistry
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
This program of instruction is protected by copyright ©. No portion of this
program of instruction may be reproduced, recorded or transferred by any
means electronic, digital, photographic, mechanical etc., or by any information
storage or retrieval system, without prior permission.
Treatment planning & fixed partial
denture (fixed dental prostheses) designs

2. Philosophy of Tooth
Replacement
• Today, because of the high survival rate of
dental implants they are often the option of
first choice.
• However, there are situations where FPDs
are still used because implants cannot be
placed, a patient chooses not to have
implants, or a FPD has been successful for
many years and now needs replacement.

3. Key FPD Design Questions
• What is the periodontal health and tooth
stability (mobile or stable?; C/R ratio;
root length / form; Ante’s Law provides a
conservative guideline)
• What occlusal forces are present?
• What type of retainers will be used?
(tooth condition / form; and resistance
form needs)
• What are the different design possibilities
regarding number of units?
• How many teeth will serve as
abutments?
• Can metal be visible or does the
prosthesis
need to be tooth colored?

4. Missing Maxillary Central Incisor
• No mobility; normal occlusal forces
• How many units (2; 3; 4; 5; 6)?
• Which teeth will serve as abutments?

7. Any Challenges Present?

8. Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisor
The first choice today, when the adjacent
teeth are intact, is a dental implant

9. When a fixed partial
denture will be used, one
of the common procedures
would be to prepare the
central incisor and canine
for a 3-unit fixed partial
denture

10. A 2-unit cantilever
design was used
due to the lack of
alignment between
the abutment teeth

11. A Resin Bonded Prosthesis
(Maryland Bridge) is an
option for young patients
where an implant will be used
but is not indicated now due
to age & future growth.
There is minimal or
no tooth preparation
but a proximal wrap-
around design is
used.

12. When a resin bonded prosthesis will be a definitive
long-term prosthesis, the teeth should be prepared.

14. Cantilever with Splinted Retainers due to
Orthodontic Rotation of Maxillary Canine

15. Any Challenges Present?

16. Any Challenges Present?

17. Both Maxillary Central Incisors Missing

19. Why would you use 4 abutments?

20. Both Maxillary Lateral
Incisors are Missing
Cause of missing teeth?

22. Any Challenges Present?

23. Maxillary Central and
Lateral Incisor Missing

24. Any Challenges with use of
Resin Bonded Prosthesis?

25. Maxillary Canine Missing

30. Both Central Incisors & One
Lateral Incisor Missing

32. Oral Hygiene Access

33. All Four Incisors Missing

36. Any Challenges Present?

37. Maxillary First
Premolar Missing

39. Maxillary Second
Premolar Missing

43. Maxillary Lateral Incisor &
First Premolar Missing

46. Any Challenges Present?

47. Maxillary Lateral Incisor &
Both Premolars Missing

49. 2nd Molar
Drifted
Mesially

50. Both Maxillary Premolars Missing

52. Maxillary Second Premolar &
First Molar Missing

53. High Risk – Not Advisable
to Use These Designs

54. Mandibular Central
Incisor Missing

56. Mandibular Lateral
Incisor Missing

58. Mandibular Central &
Lateral Incisors Missing

61. Any Challenges Present?

62. All Mandibular Incisors Missing

65. Any Challenges Present?

66. Both Mandibular Central Incisors &
One Lateral Incisor Missing
The one lateral
incisor often does
not contribute
anything and can
complicate the
treatment

67. Mandibular First Premolar Missing

71. Mandibular Second
Premolar Missing

76. Mandibular First Molar Missing

81. Mandibular Second Premolar
& First Molar Missing

83. High Risk – Not Advisable
to Use These Designs
Mandibular
2nd Premolar
to 3rd molar
Mandibular
Canine
to 2nd molar

84. Thank You For Your
Kind Attention
Charles J. Goodacre, DDS, MSD
Professor of Restorative Dentistry
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

85. v Visit ffofr.org for hundreds of
additional lectures on Complete
Dentures, Implant Dentistry,
Removable Partial Dentures,
Esthetic Dentistry and
Maxillofacial Prosthetics.
v The lectures are free.
v Our objective is to create the
best and most comprehensive
online programs of instruction in
Prosthodontics